Spring has sprung and now is the time for homeowners to roll up their sleeves and tackle their annual spring cleanup. For homeowners, this is the time to break out rakes and dust rags but for agents, this is the time to re-engage with clients to make sure homeowners are keeping an eye out for wear and tear both inside and outside of their homes.

Agents can help their clients understand that spring cleaning isn't just about preparing their home for the season ahead, it's also a time to check for any damage done from the winter months before it becomes an insurance claim.

Inside the Home

The weather may not be quite warm enough for a yard cleanup, so the best place to start is often inside the home. Here are three areas agents can tell clients where to look:

1) Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. For example, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers can often be an afterthought and may only be serviced when there is an issue. Now is a great time for homeowners to replace the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and check the expiration date on their fire extinguishers.

Agents can also remind homeowners that they should have a smoke alarm on every level of their home and outside each sleeping area. Having centrally monitored smoke detectors can also be a way to save money on home insurance because many insurance companies offer special discounts for this.

2) Appliances. Another item overlooked by homeowners is servicing and maintaining their appliances. Similar to replacing batteries in smoke alarms, appliances often only get attention when there's an issue—when it may be too late. Preventative maintenance can reduce the chances of a mechanical breakdown and can save clients time, frustration and money.

Preventative maintenance could include making sure air conditioning systems are properly working and changing the filter, testing kitchen and bathroom fans, and cleaning behind the refrigerator, washer and dryer.

3) Windows, attic and foundation. In the attic and basement, homeowners should make sure no water is seeping inside, as well as any signs of critters. They should also check the basement for any new cracks in the foundation.

When it comes to the windows, homeowners should inspect any wood trim or sills for signs of decay and repair any gaps in their windows with caulking.

Outside the Home

4) Roof and chimney. Once the weather's warm enough to tackle the home's exterior, it's time for homeowners to have their roof, chimney and gutters inspected by a qualified professional. Damaged shingles on a roof should be prioritized immediately to prevent water from getting inside. While the roof is being inspected, homeowners can also check their chimney for signs of damage and consider hiring a certified chimney sweeper to clean and inspect the chimney's flue. When it comes to gutters, homeowners should remove any leaves or debris and confirm their gutters are securely attached to their home.

5) Yard systems and driveway. Landscaping goes beyond raking leaves, pulling weeds and planting flowers. Now is the time for homeowners to service sprinkler heads and test their garden hoses. Homeowners should also take a close look at their driveway to inspect for cracks that may have formed in the winter and repair them as needed.

6) Siding. Cleaning the exterior of the home is just as important as cleaning the interior of their homes to prevent water seepage and mold. Homeowners can refresh their homes and make the paint job look good as new with a good power wash on their vinyl siding. The power washer can also be used on windows and porches to make them spotless. 

By maintaining the inside and outside of their homes, homeowners can prolong the life of many of the elements that make a home safe, livable and comfortable: the roof, the structural integrity of the home, landscaping, appliances and more. By helping customers prioritize certain areas of home maintenance, agents can maintain their status as trusted advisors and prevent issues down the line.

Andrew Leeds is vice president of claims, Plymouth Rock Home Assurance Corporation.